Restorative Dentistry | Crowns and Bridges

Restorative dentistry is the term dental professionals use to explain how they replace missing or affected teeth. Fillings, crowns (“caps”), bridges, and implants are common restorative procedures. The goal is to bring back your natural smile and prevent future oral health issues. Restorative procedures help patients with keeping their teeth properly aligned, preventing plaque buildup, and boosting their appearance and self-esteem.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made cover that fits over an original tooth that has either been decayed, damaged, or cracked, and is used to fully cover a portion of tooth that lies above the gumline. Crowns are made from a variety of different materials such as porcelain, gold, acrylic resin, or a mix of these materials. Porcelain generally has the most natural appearance, although it is often less durable. Most crowns nowadays are made with a white-based ceramic, and Zirconia ceramic has been reported to have the highest level of mechanical properties. Zirconia bases can be used with a porcelain outer layer to deliver great esthetic outcomes. The treatment plan for a crown involves:


  1. Numbing your tooth to remove any decay
  2. Sculpturing your tooth to provide an ideal fit for a dental crown
  3. Making an impression of your teeth in order to create a custom-made crown (usually takes 1-2-weeks)
  4. Making a temporary crown out of acrylic resin and fitting it onto your affected tooth
  5. Applying the custom-made crown by removing the temporary crown
  6. After ensuring the crown has the proper look and fit, our dentist cements it into place


This process generally consists of 2-3-visits over a 3-4-week period. Once the procedure is completed, proper dental hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, is required to maintain healthy, bacteria-free teeth, gums, and crowns. This helps in the prevention of gum disease. Given proper care, your crowns can last a lifetime.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a permanent appliance that replaces a missing tooth or missing teeth, and are an alternative to partial dentures. Dental bridges are made up of several pieces that are fused together to fit into the open space where your tooth or teeth used to be. They serve both practical and aesthetic purposes, enabling you to eat and speak as well as restoring your smile.


The bridge itself can be made of several different types of material, including gold, alloys, or porcelain. When replacing a front tooth, porcelain is most often the material of choice because it can be matched to your natural tooth color.


The artificial teeth used in dental bridges are called pontics. You will have a pontic for each missing tooth, created to be close in shape and size to the missing one(s). Pontics are anchored to a tooth or teeth next to the gap (called abutment teeth) or to a dental implant.

Traditional Fixed Bridge | This is the most common type of bridge. It includes a crown on either side of the pontic(s).

Resin-Bonded Bridge | This is often used to replace front teeth. Instead of crowns, it uses porcelain or metal frameworks with "wings" that are bonded to the back of your teeth on either side of the gap.

Implant-Supported Bridge | An implant for each missing tooth is surgically embedded into your jawbone, in one procedure. The bridge, which contains the pontics, is placed over them in a later procedure.

Cantilever Bridge | When only one side of the gap contains a natural tooth, the pontic(s) are anchored by a single crown on that natural tooth.

  • traditional fixed dental bridge | dentist near you | Luma Ajlouni, DDS | Best Dentist In Gilroy, California


  • traditional fixed dental bridge | dentist near you | Luma Ajlouni, DDS | Best Dentist In Gilroy, California


  • resin-bonded bridge | dentist near you | Luma Ajlouni, DDS | Best Dentist In Gilroy, California


  • implant supported bridge | dentist near you | Luma Ajlouni, DDS | Best Dentist In Gilroy, California


Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the difference between a dental crown and a dental bridge?

    A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers a damaged, weakened, or heavily restored tooth to help restore its shape, strength, and appearance. A dental bridge, on the other hand, replaces one or more missing teeth by using neighbouring teeth or dental implants for support. At Luma Ajlouni DDS in Gilroy, CA, we can evaluate your oral health and recommend the most suitable restorative option based on your dental needs.

  • How do I know if I need a dental crown?

    A dental crown may be recommended if you have a tooth that is severely decayed, cracked, worn down, or weakened by a large filling. Crowns are also commonly used to protect teeth following root canal treatment or restore the appearance of damaged teeth. Your dentist will examine the affected tooth, assess its remaining structure, and determine whether a crown or another restorative treatment would provide appropriate long-term protection.

  • How long do dental crowns and bridges typically last?

    Dental crowns and bridges can last for many years with proper care, often around 10 to 15 years or longer, depending on the restoration material, oral hygiene habits, and daily wear. Factors such as teeth grinding, chewing hard objects, and untreated gum disease may shorten their lifespan. Regular dental examinations, professional cleanings, and consistent brushing and flossing can help maintain the condition of your restorations.

  • Is getting a dental crown or bridge painful?

    Dental crown and bridge procedures are generally performed using local anesthesia to numb the treatment area and minimize discomfort. During preparation, your dentist may reshape the supporting teeth and take impressions or digital scans to create a properly fitting restoration. Some temporary sensitivity or mild soreness may occur afterward, but this usually improves within a few days. Our team can provide aftercare instructions to help you remain comfortable during recovery.

  • How should I care for my dental crowns and bridges?

    Caring for dental crowns and bridges involves brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, and attending routine dental examinations. For dental bridges, special flossing tools or interdental brushes may be recommended to clean beneath the replacement tooth and around supporting teeth. Avoid chewing ice or other extremely hard objects, and contact your dentist if your restoration becomes loose, damaged, or uncomfortable. Proper maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your dental work.

Restore Strength and Beauty to Your Smile

Damaged or missing teeth can affect your comfort and confidence. At Luma Ajlouni DDS, we provide personalized dental crown and bridge treatments to restore tooth function, improve appearance, and protect your long-term oral health.

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